Quality information framework (QIF) is a standard that enables digital metrology, helping support data integrity and interoperability in various key manufacturing processes. Because QIF can be used across multiple types of software, it’s a go-to solution for everything from product design to quality inspection, making it a crucial component in any manufacturer’s toolbelt.

As a leader in industry-specific technology and innovative solutions, DISCUS has long been a proponent of QIF utilization throughout the sector. We’ve been encouraging users like you to leverage QIF solutions since 2012, and we’re proud to help our partners add these valuable options to their lineup of data quality tools.

Get Started

Quality Information Framework Basics

To understand the importance and applicability of QIF, there are a few related concepts you’ll need to weave together:

Computer-Aided Design (CAD)

CAD files store two kinds of data: 2D, often called drawings, and 3D, referred to as models. These files generally contain technical specifications used from conceptual design to manufacturing. Although some CAD files can be opened in different programs, many are in “native format,” meaning they’re only accessible through CAD-specific software.

Although the CAD format is considered authoritative, its limitations mean that it isn’t always effective for data interoperability. As you’ll see, QIF is one solution to this problem.

Model-Based Definition (MBD)

MBD is exactly what it sounds like: a way to create 3D models within CAD software so they include all the necessary data to accurately define a product. Considered an authoritative source of information for engineers, suppliers, organizations and other stakeholders, MBD is a solution for more precise manufacturing, communication, replication and more.

Previously, engineers designed 3D product models but delivered crucial data in 2D formats. When the technology finally caught up, MBD was born, enabling experts to turn 3D models into complete sources for high-quality, digitally authored product data that can be used by planning, manufacturing and quality assurance teams.

MBD is often discussed side-by-side with QIF, making it an important part of the larger picture.

XML Framework

The next concept to understand is the XML framework. Its main purpose is to enable users to handle uniform data. The key is a tag system that establishes how that information is structured, stored and transported — but unlike in the HTML file type, there’s no preset library of tags, meaning users can create unlimited custom definitions and instructions for data. This enables different machines and software to open, read and use XML information.

The framework is an excellent tool for data interoperability even beyond engineering applications. Applications, websites and search tools all use XML for improved data quality and functionality. It’s also the foundation for QIF rules.

QIF

QIF is a technical standard that is accompanied by XML schema definitions. It enables users to capture and utilize metrology data by defining, organizing and distributing information that’s available across different teams and systems. It works using a library of XML schema designed to ensure model-based enterprise data is effectively designed, organized and distributed.

In simple terms, QIF allows you to take data like CAD files and make derivatives that can be used across more systems and machines. It’s like a translation tool, taking data that might otherwise be “stuck” and turning it into information that’s compatible with the widest possible range of metrology software.

In practice, QIF is often combined with MBD, as MBD is essentially “CAD plus annotations.” You’ll often see the two discussed together as part of data management processes, generally including information such as measurement plans and templates, statistical analysis, part geometry and more.

QIF is considered a simple, effective information model because no competence barrier prevents immediate utilization. It’s also easy to integrate with different systems and applications, supports newer concepts like the Internet of Things (IoT), provides a shared language for manufacturing teams and, perhaps most importantly, it’s free.

History of QIF

QIF was created by the Digital Metrology Standards Consortium (DMSC), an organization responsible for identifying, developing and supporting needed standards across the digital metrology industry. It has two important qualifications that make it a particularly effective proponent of QIF:

  • American National Standards Institute (ANSI) accredited: DMSC is an ANSI Accredited Standards Developing Organization, signifying that it’s met stringent process standards.
  • International Standardization Organization (ISO) liaison: DMSC is also an A-Liaison to ISO, meaning it works closely with the organization to develop new and existing standards.

The DMSC is responsible for both QIF and the Dimensional Measuring Interface Standard (DMIS), another solution for communication between systems. It maintains these standards and supports industry adoption as part of a wider effort to resolve common metrology inefficiencies.

ANSI designated QIF as an American National Standard in 2018. In August 2020, this standard was harvested, approved and published by ISO, creating the new ISO Standard ISO 23952:2020.

The Value of Quality Information Framework

QIF uses a “character-centric, feature-based approach” that easily supports both 2D and 3D data, making it a powerful tool for data management. However, that’s not the only reason the QIF standard is crucial for manufacturers. 

Here’s a closer look at the value of QIF:

Standardization

This framework is an approved ISO and ANSI standard for interoperability, meaning that it essentially creates a shared data language. This helps simplify and streamline processes that might otherwise have been based on disjointed data types and translation efforts.

Data Quality

QIF allows users to more accurately create, share and utilize data. That’s because it’s all “happening in the same place” rather than being constantly shaped and reshaped for different applications, teams and processes. This doesn’t just maintain data integrity; it also helps identify and correct data quality issues that users might otherwise overlook.

Communication

One of the most obvious benefits of QIF is its ability to take different data types and make them accessible and usable across multiple systems. This creates a single source of truth for all teams and enables smoother, more efficient communication.

Cost Control

With QIF, manufacturers can reduce costs by minimizing the delays, errors and inefficiencies related to manual data capture and translation. Having a common format for product measurement results and other key information means that teams can collaborate more effectively on everything from improvement requests to data quality goals.

Data Insights

When your data is captured, organized and shared more effectively, you’ll begin to see patterns you might not have been able to access before. That means you can extract insights from dat

a you’re already creating, helping you get more out of existing processes while identifying potential issues and improvement opportunities.

Quality Information Framework Use Cases

There are multiple ways to leverage QIF in the manufacturing industry, and each has unique benefits. Here are just a few common use cases:

Digital Transformation

Because of its compatibility with evolving solutions like IoT technologies and advanced software, QIF is a crucial step on the path toward digital transformation. It helps

 manufacturers automate data capture and translation processes like assigning characteristics to engineering requirements or generating a full bill of characteristics. It also connects different machines and software to

 create a shared digital language, enabling more cohesive technological strategies.

QIF is also an excellent tool for securing buy-in from different stakeholders. Because it comes with multiple benefits — including cost control, standardization and improved data quality

 management — it effectively illustrates the many advantages of digital transformation projects.

CMM Optimization

With QIF, you can get more from your coordinate measuring machines (CMMs). That’s because most CMM software types can automatically open and read QIF files, enabling

 learning and automation that can help create even more value from existing investments. Along the way, you’ll minimize human error and save resources for higher-importance tasks across the team.

Supply Chain Management

QIF data helps create a more consistent, useful feedback loop in supply chains. When every stakeholder leverages the same digital language, it’s easier to communicate needs, expectations and concerns. With this in mind, you can improve supply chain management efforts by basing your strategies on data-driven insights and shared goals.

DISCUS Support for the QIF Standard

Back in 2012, DISCUS became a founding member of the 3D PDF Consortium, a cross-industry community of organizations working to promote the adoption of 3D-enabled PDFs and support open 3D standards in manufacturing. As part of that effort, we participated in the QIF Interoperability demo during the International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS) 2012, where we promoted QIF and 3D PDF technology as a tool for developing model-based enterprises.

In 2024, we reinstituted our DMSC membership and began a collaborative relationship with the metrology community. We’re recognized for our software tools that accelerate manufacturing and quality engineering, making us a valuable partner in the ongoing DMSC mission.

Putting QIF Into Action

As a long-standing promoter of QIF and related technologies, processes and frameworks, DISCUS is in the perfect position to help manufacturers take advantage of these tools. We’re here to support your processes with software that simplifies everything from data capture and ballooning to cross-departmental collaboration.

Contact Us Today to Learn More